Mrs. Gilbert and Harry were pleased to find their boarder so contented. The money he paid weekly, with unvarying punctuality, made things easy for the widow, and relieved her of the anxiety which she had constantly felt before his arrival.
The conversation above recorded was scarcely over, when a knock was heard at the front door—a sharp, peremptory knock—as of one who demanded admittance, rather than requested it.
All looked up, with some surprise, for it was now eight o’clock, and they did not often have evening callers.
“I will go to the door, mother,” said Harry. “You need not interrupt your sewing.”
So Harry opened the outer door, and, considerably to his surprise, saw standing on the step the dignified figure of Colonel Ross.
“Colonel Ross!” he exclaimed, in surprise.
“I will come in a few minutes,” said the Colonel, stiffly.
“Certainly, sir. Excuse my not inviting you.”
“It is very excusable—under the circumstances,” said the Colonel, stiffly.
“What does he mean?” thought Harry. “I can’t tell what circumstances he refers to.”